Faceoff Factor

Red Wings vs. Predators Game 1 Preview

Justin Maffei | National Hockey League

Apr 10, 09:10 AM | Hype this story!

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Red Wings (1) vs. Predators (8) Game 1
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Series Score: Red Wings 0 – Predators 0
Game Time: 7:00 EST
Location: Joe Louis Arena (Detroit)
Television: TSN, Versus(HD)

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Preview
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The Red Wings may get a slight boost from the return of some of their injured players. The Detroit News is reporting that Mikael Samuelsson, Brad Stuart, and Tomas Holmstrom will all be game-time decisions for Thursday’s series opener. They are also reporting that Kris Draper will be in the lineup. Kirk Maltby, however, will miss Game 1 and is listed as day-to-day.

The Predators have also received some good news. The Nashville Tennessean is reporting that David Legwand hoped to practice on Wednesday. Though, he will not be available for the series opener, he may be able to return for part of the series.

Predators’ forward, Alexander Radulov, ended the season on a cold streak. He scored only two goals in the final 19 games. It will be important for Radulov to get off to a quick start for the Predators to pull off the upset.

Red Wings’ forward Johan Franzen went on a tear in his final 16 games of the season. He registered 15 goals in that span. Franzen was also very important in the Red Wings-Predators season series. He scored six goals in eight games, including three game winners.

For a complete list of team leaders and statistics, click here.

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Injuries
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Detroit: Kopecky (Sprained MCL and Torn ACL; Out), Maltby (Hamstring; DTD), Draper (Groin, DTD), Samuelsson (Groin, DTD), Stuart (Broken Finger, DTD), Holmstrom (Abdominal Strain, DTD)
Nashville: Legwand (Bruised Foot, DTD), Ortmeyer (Right Knee, IR), Gelinas (Knee Sprain, IR), Sullivan (Back Surgery, IR)